In the previous century, brands, writers, film producers, artists and celebrities knew about the importance of their visual branding, before this even officially became a thing. Here are some examples of elegant, iconic and playful branded stationery that belongs to many brands that you would have heard of, along with some plucky and obscure individuals who found fame a long time ago. Found on a delightful Tumblr blog called Letterheady.

Henry Miller, 1944HMV, 1933Letterhead used by The Gramophone Company in 1933, 12 years after they opened the first HMV (“His Master’s Voice”) shop in London.David Bowie, 1966Letterhead used by David Bowie in 1966, a few months after changing his name from David Jones. 8 years later, his stationery looked like this.Robert Bloch, 1985Fantastic Bates Motel letterhead, as used for many years by Robert Bloch, author of Psycho.Mademoiselle Paula, The Famous Reptile Conqueror, 1899James Brown (date unknown)Kate Bush, date unknownDick Gregory, 1970Letterhead used by comedian and political activist Dick Gregory in the 1970s.Anais Nin, 1979The letterhead of Dwayne Milford, Mayor of Twin Peaks. Letters written on this stationery were once sent to members of the Official Twin Peaks Fan Club.